Top Tips on dealing with sickness & absence for pubs and bars

If sickness and absence is causing you a headache, our expert advisors have created six points to help you manage the situation:

1. Have a sickness reporting policy and procedure

The starting point of all good sickness absence procedures is a sickness absence policy. Consider where you will draw the line for unacceptable absence so that employees know where they stand; this should be included in your policy. You should also include the rules on notifying absence to you.

2. Monitor and record

Record sickness absence in a comprehensive way – keep a special diary, for example – noting dates and times. Monitor your records regularly so that can spot any patterns that may arise with individual employees in terms of dates of absence or reason for sickness.

3. Return to work interviews

Hold return to work interviews with your employees when they come back after their absence. Compare what they tell you to what they said when they reported their absence. Requiring them to explain their absence to you may make them more reluctant to take a ‘sickie’.

4. Employee communication

Make your employees aware of the impact of their absence e.g. extra pressure on other staff members; potential complaints from customers due to longer waiting periods etc.

5. Don’t let responsibilities slip

Don’t let your responsibilities with sickness absence slip. If your employees notice that you don’t seem to mind their absence, they may take advantage and start to take more time off than previously.

To get some immediate advice on any issues, call one of our expert advisors on 0800 028 2420. Alternatively, request a free consultation with our experienced team.